THE CHINA MAIL, JULY 9, 1988
SOCIAL
SETTLEMENTS
An Interesting Report On An Experiment Possibility Of Bigger Scheme
An interesting experiment commenced in Kowloon some months ago by a group of foreign and local enthusiasts in an attempt to give better housing accommodation to the poorer class of Chinese at rents within their economic capa- city, is the subject of a Report published yes-- terday.
The scope of the scheme, which has become fairly well-known as Social Settlements, is well set out, together with a recitation of initial errors in organisation which could easily be avoided in any future development of the plan.
Special interest is contained in obvious that even those families the educational side of the experi- who do meet the "Basic Rent" re- ment, which has consisted of pro- quirements must be of the poorer viding kindergarten instruction for
tenants' children. "The sponsors feel," says the Report, "that they have every reason to be gratified with the result of this work.”
ce,
Most interesting section of the Report deals with the conclusions reached after six months' experien- It is pointed out that the type of tenement was not really suitable for the idea behind Social Settle- ments. The sponsors originally attempted to arrange the cubicles so that each cubicle was provided with a window, this being regarded as essential to the object of giving healthier conditions. The plan, however, could not be put into ef- fect in its entirety owing to the design of the tenements, In at- tempting to carry it out, cubicles were made either too large, or too small, and before families were prepared to rent them, it was found necessary to alter the partitions.
Another disadvantage was that the optimum was never realised. For satisfactory operation of the. scheme, it was found essential that more than five flats be worked. The overhead charges of a warden's quarters and a schoolroom were not
BASIC RENT
in proper proportion to the income classes. Proof of this is furnished looking for a profit, this important, sidise each person to the extent of derived from the four flats. These by the type of resident in Social charge would be eliminated, bring- 50 cents per month. Social Settle- two charges, however, would be- Settlements, including those paying ing the scheme further within the ments has indicated that it is ne- come economically sounder ifit the full rentals. They are in most bounds of practicability,
|cessary in the event of a similar had been found possible to obtain cases cassual labourers, several of
A SUBSIDY
scheme on a much larger scale, ten flats, or even more.
them being wharf coolies. Their While it cannot be claimed that that the tenements should be con- average income is $20 per month, the sponsors have realised all the structed in such a way as to permit "Furthermore, as has been point- and, in order to live, they cannot objects of Social Settlements, and "Basic Rent" being economically ed out in an earlier part of this re-afford to pay more than the rentals though the experiment has fallen applied. It has not been possible port, the sponsors permitted famili-charged by Social Settlements, somewhat short of anticipated re- to accomplish this at Wai Ching es. to take up residence who, in "Another adverse factor in the sults, certain beneficial effects can Street. owing to the unfort
unfortunate some cases, were not capable, of budget of Social Settlements is that be observed. It has been shown design, of the tenements. In other paying the "Basic Rent" While this the sponsors, are renters and not that in proved living conditions words, it has been impossible to may suggest that if families with owners of the flats. Thus the nor-can be provided within the adapt with any success the plan of better means had been admitted, it mal profits from the flats required economic compass. of the poorer charging one dollar per head for would have defeated the original by the landlords must be met by the class of Chinese, even after conso many aquare feet per person, as idea of providing improved accom- sponsors, which form another part verting tenements badly designed, the cubicles could not be laid out modation for the poorer classes, of the subsidy. If similar flats if there is a willingness to sub- (Continued on Page 16) this is not necessarily true. It is were administered by owners not
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EWO
BEER